Sam Rayburn
Early Life
Samuel Taliaferro Rayburn was born on January 6, 1882, in Roane County, Tennessee. He was the eighth of eleven children born to Martha and William Marion Rayburn. In 1887, the Rayburn family moved to Flag Springs, Texas, where Sam attended rural schools and helped on the family farm.
Education
In 1899, Rayburn graduated from Marvin College, a small Methodist institution in Missouri. He then attended the East Texas Normal College, now known as Texas A&M University–Commerce, where he earned a teaching certificate. Rayburn taught school for two years before deciding to study law. He attended the University of Texas School of Law while serving in the Texas Legislature.
Political Career
Rayburn's political career began in 1906 when he was elected to the Texas House of Representatives. He served there until 1912, when he was elected to the United States House of Representatives. Rayburn would go on to serve in the U.S. House for nearly 49 years, a record at the time of his death in 1961.
Speaker of the House
In 1940, Rayburn was elected Speaker of the House, a position he held for 17 years, longer than anyone else in U.S. history. As Speaker, Rayburn had a significant influence on a wide range of legislation, including the creation of the Interstate Highway System, the expansion of Social Security, and the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Legacy
Rayburn's legacy is marked by his dedication to public service and his commitment to the principles of democracy. He is remembered for his leadership during a period of significant change in American history, and for his ability to work with members of both parties to pass legislation that benefited the American people.